By: Sean Moylan Sports Writer
Last week the New Egypt High girls’ varsity field hockey squad found out what it is to be a true hero. And that important life lesson wasn’t learned on any field hockey field.
While pre-game pasta parties are not a new ritual for the Warriors, the pasta party they held the night before last Wednesday’s (October 8) home game versus Riverside was extra special because of a moving speech by a local firefighter.
“We have a theme for every game and our theme before the Riverside game was ‘Heroes’,” said Robbinsville head varsity field hockey coach Patti Nicholson, whose team dedicated the Riverside game to firefighters, police men and other local heroes who were all invited to attend the contest.
“They (the firemen) came with fire trucks. They talked all about team. As firemen it doesn’t matter whether they like each other or not, they still have to work together and help each other out (to survive). We want our girls to learn more about things other than field hockey. We want them to learn about life.”
Working together as one, New Egypt went out and defeated Riverside, 2-0. The Rams never stood a chance against an inspired group of Warriors.
“Lauren Siegelski scored an unassisted goal five minutes into the second half and Kayla Soles scored with about 10 minutes left in the game,” said Nicholson, who was very happy with the play of her defense. “We got the job done.”
The Warrior attackers kept the pressure on while the Rams rarely got into an offensive mode. Consequently, New Egypt goalie Katie Francis had to make just two saves to pick up the shutout.
The Warriors stayed pumped up and won last Friday’s game versus the Flashes at Florence, 3-0.
“Our best game all season was the Florence game on Friday,” noted Nicholson. “We played great! We played super and we passed better than I’ve ever seen us pass,” said Nicholson. “Lindsay Mann had two beautiful goals. On the second one she dove for it and put in the goal.”
Steph Partyka also tallied for the Warriors, who scored once in the first half and twice in the second stanza against a very good Florence team. Siegelski and Karly Ossowski each collected an assist in the game for the victors. Francis made saves on all three of Florence’s shots. Meanwhile New Egypt blasted 22 shots on goal. Only the outstanding play of Florence goalie Katie Dmitruck, who made 18 saves, kept it as close as it was.
As great as the win over Florence was for a playoff-bound New Egypt squad, the Warrior players have chosen to embrace and “live” the profound words of their local heroes in everything they do.
“(After hearing the firemen talk) One of my seniors, Kristen Coyne, said ‘it makes me want to be a better person,’” said Nicholson, who has built a team of tremendous character, substance and ability through some incredible team-bonding.
There is a reason Nicholson is considered to be one of the area’s finest field hockey coaches. She has a very unique way of seeing things the way they truly are and readily invites her players to share in her vision.
New Egypt (10-1-1) was scheduled to have played a game at Palmyra yesterday (Wednesday). New Egypt is scheduled at Bordentown on Friday. The Warriors are scheduled to host Pemberton next Monday and they’re scheduled to play a game at Rancocas Valley next Wednesday.
RHS
The Robbinsville High girls’ varsity field hockey team made the most of its one game last week as it blasted Nottingham, 8-0, in Hamilton last Tuesday (October 7th).
From the start of the game, the Ravens were in the driver’s seat and scored five first-half goals. Kaitlin Hill had one of her best games of the season with three goals and an assist.
“Kaitlin Hill has really shown her offensive abilities the last couple of weeks. She is like a spark plug on the line. She has the ability to keep our attack alive inside the circle. We are happy with her coming up big and looking for her in the next couple of games to keep it up!,” said Robbinsville’s innovative head coach Naoma Cordi.
Of course, Emilie Taylor has also played a major role in the Ravens’ remarkable success this year as she has developed into as dynamic a passer as she is a scorer, and she was only the leading scorer in the CVC last season.
Playing against a winless Nottingham squad, Taylor set up five Robbinsville goals while scoring once herself. Taylor’s multi-talented Robbinsville teammate Christy Wham also had her usual game with a goal and an assist. Ashleigh Stewart, who has played very well as of late, also chipped in with a goal and an assist. Jessica Kraemer and Jackie Sikora each fired in goals as well. As a team Robbinsville took 41 shots on goal, which is an unbelievable amount of shots. So as hard as it is may be to believe Nottingham goalie Aja Carter gave up eight goals and still played a very good game.
The Ravens’ excellent defense shut down Nottingham’s attack almost completely.
Like all great teams, Robbinsville plays relentless field hockey until the game is well in hand.
“Our girls have played hard from the day I met them and have been stepping up to every challenge we place before them! They will blow your mind with every ounce of effort they put into this program. And the great thing about it is they made this program what it has become in the past two years,” said an extremely modest Cordi, who has also contributed a great deal to the Ravens’ phenomenal success.
Over the next week or so, Robbinsville (11-1) will play some of the toughest teams the area has to offer, but it is ready. Robbinsville was scheduled to have played a road game at Allentown this past Tuesday. Robbinsville is scheduled at Hopewell Valley Central today (Thursday). Robbinsville is scheduled to host Princeton Day School on Friday and Lawrenceville next Tuesday.
“It’s a great week and we are looking forward to the challenge from each school…it comes at a good time in the season, ,”said Cordi, who wants her team to get in some competitive games before the MCT’s and the state cut-offs.
AHS
Maddie Collins (assisted by Kasie Nurko) scored for the Allentown High field hockey team in a 5-1 loss to Moorestown on October 8.
Shea Clemencich scored, assisted by Angela Scibilia, but Allentown was defeated by Hopewell, 2-1, on Friday.
Allentown was scheduled to face Robbinsville this past Tuesday and Rancocas Valley on Wednesday. Allentown will play at West Windsor South Friday at 4 p.m.. It will host Freehold on Monday at 4 p.m.

